The innervation and actions of the neurophypophysis; an investigation using the method of remote-control stimulation

Abstract

Remote-control stimulation has been applied to the hypothalamo-hypophysial region. Rabbits showed no ill-effects from the presence of the implanted unit for periods up to three years. Stimulation of the neurohypophysis in the conscious rabbit has been shown to cause: ( a ) inhibition of a water diuresis; ( b ) increase in urinary chlorides; ( c ) no change in the level of the blood sugar; ( d ) marked increase in the activity of the oestrous and oestrogenized uterus, whilst little effect was observed on the activity of the anoestrous or pseudo-pregnant uterus, or on the organ under the influence of progesterone. The anti-diuretic, chloruretic and oxytocic effects could be duplicated by intravenous injection of posterior lobe extracts. Stimulation caused a secretion which possessed less anti-diuretic than oxytocic activity, as compared with various posterior lobe extracts.